Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Oct 2026

Quansheng UV-K6 vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K6$31.55

The Quansheng UV-K6 is the clear winner for most amateur radio users.

The single most important differentiator is value. The UV-K6 costs $32 versus $108 for the Retevis A3, and RadioRanked's composite scoring reflects better listed specifications for the money. The UV-K6 offers confirmed 5W transmit power, CHIRP programming compatibility, and significantly lighter weight at 234g. The A3's transmit power is unknown, lacks CHIRP support, and weighs noticeably more.

Owner feedback also favors the UV-K6, with 398 Amazon reviewers rating it 4.4/5 stars compared to just 31 reviewers giving the A3 3.6/5 stars. While the smaller review pool for the A3 means less statistical confidence, the UV-K6's larger sample provides stronger buyer evidence of real-world satisfaction.

Both radios lack DMR, APRS, and GPS capabilities, so they're functionally equivalent on those features. The technical specs are effectively tied where documented.

The UV-K6 should appeal to budget-conscious operators and those learning the hobby, while the A3 might interest buyers with specific undisclosed features they've researched elsewhere.

Buy the Quansheng UV-K6. It delivers better specifications and pricing with demonstrated owner satisfaction.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Absolute beginner needing basic VHF/UHF coverage

    Its simple, multi-band design makes initial learning straightforward and reliable.

    A3
  • Budget-conscious user prioritizing features and channels

    The higher channel count and CHIRP support offer better long-term value.

    UV-K6
  • Dedicated local monitoring and simplex communication

    The higher transmit power and focused features are ideal for local, short-range use.

    UV-K6
  • Operator needing basic multi-band repeater access

    Its reliable analog VHF/UHF coverage is perfect for standard repeater monitoring.

    A3
  • Portable operator needing maximum weight efficiency

    At 234g, it is noticeably lighter than the alternative, aiding portability.

    UV-K6

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K6

  • 71% cheaper ($31.55 vs $107.99)
  • 52g lighter (234g vs 286g)
  • Has CHIRP compatibility
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 5x more memory channels (999 vs 200)
  • 79% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1400 mAh)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng UV-K6SpecRetevis A3
$31.55
Price
$107.99
64
Overall Score
27
2.4× difference
5.00W
TX Power (High)
—
200
Memory Channels
999
5.0× difference
234g
Weight
286g
+22% difference
1400 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
+79% for winner
Dot-matrix LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Quansheng UV-K6PICK

$31.55 on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons